"Of course, for the well-being of our fellow countrymen, I'm willing to offer you a half discount!"
Upon hearing this, Klein was momentarily taken aback. Clearly, he hadn't expected Lin Ruo to act so suddenly in this manner. However, he found nothing objectionable about it.
After all, Lin Ruo wasn't obligated to provide him these potion formulas for free. The act of teaching him Beyonder knowledge earlier had been a favor, not a duty.
Furthermore, Lin Ruo's willingness to offer a fifty-percent reduction was already beyond Klein's expectations.
Hence, Klein inquired, "So, how much gold or what kind of items do I need to pay in order to acquire the Sequence 8 potion formula from you?" He didn't delve into the price for the later formulas; after all, he was currently only a newly promoted Sequence 9, and there was no need to consider events so far ahead.
"In general, the market price for a Sequence 8 potion formula is around 400 pounds, and with a half discount, it would be 200 pounds!" Lin Ruo, who understood the value of being frugal, purposefully mentioned the price at a measured pace. He noticed Klein's surprise and saw that Klein's eyes widened in a way that almost read 'so expensive' on his face.
Lin Ruo couldn't help but smile, then continued, "But I don't think you need to rush to purchase the Sequence 8 potion formula from me... I've heard that Dunn has been investigating the Secret Order recently, right? What they're lacking are Beyonders from the Seer Pathway. As long as your luck holds up, by the time you fully digest the potion, the Nighthawks will likely possess the Seer's Sequence 8 potion formula."
"At that point, you can depend entirely on the credit earned from accumulating merita and apply directly to your captain for promotion. It could save you a significant amount of money."
Klein was taken aback for a moment before he grasped the implications. He touched his nose in a slightly embarrassed manner and said, "Does this count as exploiting the Church?"
"Of course not! The potion you exchange for your credit is merely a reasonable compensation after your contribution!" Lin Ruo replied matter-of-factly. As he observed Klein's slightly embarrassed expression, he couldn't help but recall how proficient Mr. Fool had been in manipulation in the original story. He laughed again and added, "And hasn't anyone told you that one advantage of being part of the Church is the potential for legitimate reimbursement and exploitation?"
Klein was bewildered.
Klein: ???
You're not wrong!
Almost instinctively, he glanced at the sky to see if thunderclouds were gathering. He then looked in the direction of Lin Ruo and said, "Lin Ruo, those words... cough, you are, after all, the Blessed of the goddess."
The implication was that, as someone Blessed and watched over by a goddess, it might not be appropriate to speak such things casually.
Lin Ruo laughed without responding but then changed the subject, saying, "Speaking of which, Klein, do you know the Sequence 8 title for the Seer Path? Interested in finding out?"
"Yes!" Klein replied promptly while looking at Lin Ruo expectantly.
"Clown!"
Upon his "earnest" gaze, Lin Ruo gave him the two words he desired.
Klein was momentarily taken aback, not immediately comprehending. After a few seconds, it finally dawned on him. He hesitated and exclaimed, "The Sequence 8 of the Seer Path... is called 'Clown'?"
"Yes!" Lin Ruo's smile grew even more mischievous and amusing. He continued, "Here's another piece of information for you: Sequence 7 of the Seer Path is named 'Magician.'"
Klein suddenly felt a bit sluggish. His initial thought was: What's with these Sequence titles? All three major circus roles have been taken!
"I suppose this path isn't meant for loners!" Klein couldn't help but mutter.
Lin Ruo burst into laughter. While he had various playful and intriguing thoughts swirling in his mind, he suppressed them one by one.
Regardless of his inner musings, Lin Ruo's facial expression remained unchanged as he went on, "But, irrespective of what's going on in your thoughts, have you figured out the Seer's abilities?"
"Well, I have some ideas... I plan to take up a part-time job as a Seer in the Tingen Divination Club. It might help me play the Seer role better. Given that I understand the acting methods, I have a better grasp of how to perform as a Seer."
"That's a good approach!" Lin Ruo wasn't surprised by this outcome. He then smiled and remarked, "Speaking of which, though I've never played a Seer, I have some general guidelines for playing one. Plus, there are a few other Seers here. Perhaps they could provide you with some reference."
"Of course, just for reference!" Considering the content of the original work, Lin Ruo's tone turned more serious, and he emphasized, "Klein, remember that even if you share the same Sequence, different individuals play different roles. While others' acting guidelines may provide insight, they should never be copied entirely."
While saying this, Lin Ruo also thought about the hunters from the original tale.
He knew that this advice was meant for both Klein and himself.
He needed to heed this lesson too.
"I'll keep that in mind." Klein quickly nodded.
Lin Ruo's tone softened again, and he smiled as he shared a piece of advice, "Now, listen well, for here's one general guideline for a Seer: 'Don't overly rely on divination; divination isn't omnipotent.'"